Oral cancer is one of the most curable
diseases when it's caught early. That's why the ViziLite Plus exam has
been developed. ViziLite Plus uses technology that has proven
successful in identifying soft tissue abnormalities in other areas of
the body. A ViziLite Plus exam is particularly important if you are at
increased risk for developing oral cancer.
The ViziLite Plus exam can help your dentist or hygienist identify abnormal tissue, that might develop into oral cancer.
An annual ViziLite Plus exam, in combination with a regular visual
examination, provides a comprehensive oral screening procedure for
patients at increased risk for oral cancer. The ViziLite Plus exam is
painless and fast, and could help save your life.
ViziLite Plus is performed immediately following a regular visual examination
- First, you will be instructed to rinse with a cleansing solution
- Next, the overhead lighting will be dimmed.
- Then, your dental professional will examine your mouth using ViziLite Plus, a specially designed light technology.
Importance of Early Detection
Early detection is the key to reducing
the devastating impact of oral cancer on victims and their families.
Annual oral cancer screening of patients at increased risk for oral
cancer, patients age 18 and older, and tobacco users of any age, is the
only way to achieve the early detection of oral cancer necessary to
reduce the death rate of oral cancer – a death rate that has remained
unchanged for more than 40 years!
The chart below shows how the death rates of other types of cancers
have dropped with routine visual/manual screening examinations
followed by annual examinations with an adjuctive screening technology.
As you can see, when patients at increased risk for breast cancer,
prostate cancer and cervical cancer began receiving annual screenings
with the mammogram, PSA test and Pap smear, respectively, there was a
significant decline in the death rates due to these cancers.
| |
Screening Technology & Year Introduced |
Decrease in Death Rates |
For the Period |
| Breast Cancer |
Mammogram - 1972 |
45%a |
1972-1992 |
| Prostate Cancer |
PSA Test - 1986 |
17.6%b |
1993-2002 |
| Cervical Cancer |
Pap Smear - 1952 |
70%-80%c |
1950-1990 |
| Oral Cancer |
ViziLite Plus - 2002 |
to be assessed |
|
- American Cancer Society
- Canadian Medical Association CMAJ March 5, 2002:166 (5)
- American Society of Clinical Pathology, ASCP.org 6-27-03
